Penguins' Kindel Hospitalized After Medical Episode on Plane

Incident Details

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was hospitalized Tuesday in Salt Lake City after experiencing a medical episode on the team's flight.

The Penguins' plane returned to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after takeoff, where Kindel was attended to by the team's physician and medical staff.

Kindel was then transferred to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.

Player Background

The 19-year-old Kindel is in his second NHL season and was drafted 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

So far this season, he has scored two goals and two assists in nine games, primarily as the team's third-line center.

Team Statement

The Penguins stated that Kindel is conscious, alert, and in stable condition.

The team emphasized that the health and safety of their players and the privacy of their families are their top priorities and that further updates will be provided as appropriate.